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Bayesian Statistics Section
Chair: Scott Sisson
scott.sisson@unsw.edu.au
Assistant Chair: Jannah Baker
jannah.baker@qut.edu.au
The Bayesian Statistics section encourages the development and application of Bayesian methodology in a variety of fields, and inter-disciplinary collaboration. There has been growing interest in Bayesian methods, as modern simulation software packages make these methods computationally feasible and they have several advantages over classical methods. Throughout history, Bayesian methods have helped solve complex problems that were unsolvable by other means1,2:
- During World War II, they were used to decode the German Enigma cipher and turn the tides of war
- The US Navy used them to search for a missing H-bomb and locate Soviet subs
- Insurance actuaries used them to set insurance rates
- They were used in court to demonstrate the innocence of Captain Dreyfus
- RAND corporation used them to assess the likelihood of a nuclear accident
- Harvard and Chicago researchers used them to verify the authorship of the Federalist Papers
- In medicine they were used to first establish the link between smoking and lung cancer
Currently, 300 SSAI members (43% of all SSAI members) are subscribed to the Bayesian Statistics section and the associated bayes-info3 mailing list, which we use to post updates regarding Bayesian events and news. The Section has organised and promoted various workshops, short courses and seminars held across Australia. Of particular note is the active Bayesian Discussion Group and book reading associated with the Queensland Branch.
Please follow the links at the top of the page for further information about upcoming Bayes-related events, latest news, Bayesian forums, useful Bayesian resources, and members’ publications (to be compiled). We’d like to hear from section members with a list of their publications, and also Bayesian resources they found useful, to add to our resources page. Along with the other sections of SSAI, we will occasionally pose a question on the website to promote discussion among members. Updates will also be posted on the Facebook and Twitter sites of the SSAI.
To join the section or add input to the section website, please email the Section Assistant Chair, Jannah Baker (jannah.baker@qut.edu.au). We look forward to hearing from you!
References:
2. McGrayne, S. The Theory That Would Not Die
.